The companionship of a dog can be a source of great comfort and joy for someone who may be living alone or has much more free time than they did before retirement.

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Just because our hair has turned gray and we are no longer as agile as we once were, it does not mean that we have to give up dog ownership. However, it is very important to consider the size and activity level of the four-legged friend we choose to take home with us. Below, we present 10 dog breeds that, with proper socialization and training, can be ideal companions for senior people.

Yorkshire Terrier puppy and Irish Setter / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

What should we consider before choosing a breed?

According to a study conducted among people over the age of 60, pet owners were 36% less likely to feel lonely than those who did not have pets. What's more, dog ownership can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of death from heart disease. Caring for a dog helps us maintain a regular, healthy routine and get exercise every day.

The age limit for being considered a "senior" can vary from society to society: in some countries, we are classified as seniors at 55, while in others, we only fall into this category at 65. However, it is not so much age that is the most important factor in this decision, but rather lifestyle and physical condition.

The following aspects are worth considering before making your choice:

• How much exercise does the dog need, and how much can we provide?
• Do we have experience in training dogs, and how easy is it to train this particular breed?
• How long does this breed live, and is there someone who could take over caring for it if we are no longer able to?
• If you live in an apartment building: is the breed prone to barking, and does it react to strangers or other dogs?
• How physically capable are we of walking and caring for a small, medium, or large dog?
• What are the financial costs of keeping a dog (vet, food, equipment, dog sitter, dog training)?
• If we have to travel, can we take the dog with us, or will there be someone to look after it?
• If we have grandchildren or will have them in the future, which breeds are suitable for socializing with children?

Here are 10 dog breeds that make ideal companions for older people

1.) Havanese

This soft little dog is pure joy: cheerful, cuddly, but not loud. It doesn't need lots of walking and can easily entertain itself in the garden or living room. The main thing is that its owner is always within sight. It loves company but does not demand attention.

Havanese

2.) Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is as graceful and elegant as a ballerina. Its exercise needs are surprisingly moderate for a greyhound: short sprints are enough to tire it out, and then you can enjoy watching it relax on the sofa. It has a kind, sensitive nature and forms a close bond with its owner. It is also ideal for older dog owners because it is a smaller breed that is easy to handle and care for, and is happy to share a quieter lifestyle. Due to its thin bone structure, you need to be more careful with sudden movements.

Italian Greyhound

3.) Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu looks like a beautiful embroidered decorative pillow, but its character is far from boring: it is cheerful, independent, loving, and well-balanced. It does not require marathon walks, preferring pleasant strolls, after which it happily rests beside its owner. Its coat requires more grooming, but this can easily be left to a dog groomer, so we are not burdened with the physical work.

Shih Tzu

4.) Coton de Tulear

This cute dog, reminiscent of cotton candy, is always cheerful, affectionate, and loves to be around people. It has moderate exercise needs: it loves to play, but is also happy with shorter walks. It is very intelligent and easy to train, so it will not be particularly challenging for its owner to keep. It is a warm-hearted breed that makes it impossible to feel lonely.

Coton de Tulear

5.) Pomeranian

This mischievous, fox-faced dog is full of life and sophistication, but due to its size, its need for exercise can be easily satisfied with short but regular walks. It loves to be the center of attention and is a real little performer. The Pomeranian is an excellent guard dog that wants to know everything that is happening in its territory. It can truly flourish with owners who appreciate and love having an always "barking," mischievous pet by their side.

Pomeranian / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

6.) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, affectionate, easy-to-handle breed that is happiest when it can be with its owner. It has low exercise requirements and can be satisfied with a few short walks each day. Due to its excellent adaptability, it easily picks up our rhythm. Thanks to its flexibility, it not only makes our lives easier, but if properly socialized, it will not have any problems with changes in routine.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

7.) Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is an American gentleman in a suit who is always cheerful but never excessive. It needs plenty of exercise, loves to walk and play, but then enjoys lounging on the sofa. It adapts well to its owner's rhythm, is intelligent and easy to handle.

Boston Terrier / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

8.) English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is bohemian and friendly, and its owner is the apple of its eye. It always wants to do everything with you, so you have to be very careful not to trip over it while doing your work. It needs slightly more exercise than the other breeds on the list, so we recommend it for more athletic owners. They love attention and need to play and be petted, but in return they shower us with boundless love and affection.

English Cocker Spaniel

9.) Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is like a bearded gentleman, but definitely not of the grumpy variety. It is a determined little creature, but can also be playful when it comes to games. It is a more energetic breed, but can easily be tired out with a few short walks and ball throwing each day. It is very loyal, easy to train, and also makes an excellent guard dog. With proper socialization and training, it can be a very stable, well-balanced companion.

Miniature Schnauzer

10.) Yorkshire Terrier

A big personality in a small body. The Yorkshire Terrier is a brave, lively little dog that is almost overflowing with enthusiasm for its owner. It has low exercise needs, and short walks are enough for it to happily lie in its owner's lap or somewhere close to them afterwards. It is a very affectionate and entertaining companion, but don't forget that this is a terrier, which has strong opinions about everything, so consistent training is extremely important in its case.

Yorkshire Terrier

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